Chattanooga Zoo
Tennessee Aquarium
Ruby Falls
From awe-inspiring mountain views to award-winning museums, unique local attractions, and noteworthy historic sites, Chattanooga is a top destination for family fun that will keep the whole crew smiling no matter the time of year.
Chattanooga was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best Places to Live in Tennessee” in 2025 and appeared in the top 10 of the “South’s Best Cities 2025” by Southern Living. As a charming outdoor paradise with a broad range of popular attractions and family-friendly activities, the Scenic City welcomes more than 11 million visitors each year.
For nature enthusiasts, the Tennessee Aquarium is a must. Ranking No. 2 in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice for “Best Aquariums,” the aquarium is home to 13,000+ animals that represent almost 800 species, including penguins, sharks, otters, and the largest collection of freshwater turtles in North America. Additional wildlife encounters can be found at Chattanooga Zoo with seasonal events and animals from all over the world, including giraffes, chimpanzees, jaguars, red pandas, and snow leopards. After the success of the Zoo’s largest expansion yet – Cape of Africa – in 2024, the Zoo is currently developing a new 10-year master plan for future development, including themes for new Zoo sections, new species, and more. The Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center also helps to protect and preserve local wildlife. Thanks to their support of native East Tennessee plants and animals, visitors can enjoy lush gardens, beautiful hiking trails, an animal exhibit, and educational experiences.
Lookout Mountain specializes in gorgeous views and thrilling outdoor experiences. Visit Rock City, a top tourist attraction in Chattanooga, for stunning gardens, unique rock formations, art installations, and incredible mountain views. Ruby Falls, ranking No. 1 in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice for “Best Cave Adventures,” is another iconic attraction – boasting the country’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall that’s open to the public, located 1,120 feet below ground. Thrill seekers at Ruby Falls can also enjoy specialty tours, nostalgic lodging at Treetop Hideaways, and High Point ZIP Adventure’s 40-foot climbing tower and over 700 feet of zip lines.
Historic attractions await history buffs and curious learners alike at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. As the only United States hotel to make the list for “Best of the Best Hotels – One of a Kind” by Tripadvisor, visitors at The Hotel Chalet can enjoy exploring the historic train station grounds and stay overnight in restored vintage train cars, as well as solve a train-themed escape room and walk Glenn Miller Gardens. Train enthusiasts will also enjoy the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the historic Incline Railway at the base of Lookout Mountain. Other popular history museums in Chattanooga include the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
For fun on the water, the Tennessee River offers a plethora of options. The Southern Belle Riverboat provides year-round cruises, including daily sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises as well as private charters. Visitors can also enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience on the river with The Chattanooga Ducks, offering narrated tours aboard WWII amphibious landing crafts.
For families looking for kid-friendly activities with learning opportunities, Creative Discovery Museum is one of Chattanooga’s most popular attractions. Along with hands-on featured exhibits such as Little Farmhouse, STEM Zone, and Artspace, the museum offers a variety of seasonal events and activities perfect for learning, exploring, and having fun.
The Scenic City brings outdoor fun to the next level with offerings for athletes, sports fans, and anyone looking to get active. The expansive Tennessee Riverwalk consists of 16 miles of paved greenway, perfect for a scenic stroll, jog, or bike ride. Downtown, experienced and beginner climbers alike will enjoy High Point Climbing and Fitness. The climbing gym features an outdoor climbing wall that overlooks Broad Street as well as plenty of climbing and bouldering space for all ages and skill levels. Recreational facilities in the area include golf and tennis clubs, pickleball courts, bowling alleys, paintball fields, and more. Sports enthusiasts also have a myriad of opportunities to watch sporting events such as roller derby bouts, rugby, professional soccer league matches, and minor league baseball games throughout the year.
Eager visitors and seasoned locals alike are in no shortage of unique Chattanooga attractions to experience. The city offers guided tours galore, ranging from ghost tours and food tours to classic horse-drawn carriage rides. More thrills await at several axe throwing facilities, trampoline parks, and niche museums, including the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum and the International Towing Museum. Boasting a full range of incredible attractions for eager learners, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurous folk of all ages, Chattanooga ensures endless fun and priceless memory-making for the whole family.
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